Daniel Leroy Crandell Jr.

Bristol - Daniel L. Crandell, Jr., known affectionately as Dan to his family and friends, passed away peacefully at Newport Hospital in Newport, RI, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the age of 75.

Born on September 10, 1950, in the bustling city of New York, NY, Dan was a man whose warmth and character touched the lives of many.

A devoted husband, Dan, shared over 48 years of love and companionship with his beloved wife, Phyllis (Giddens) Crandell. Together, they built a life filled with joy, laughter, and enduring memories.

He was a cherished son to his late parents Dr., Daniel LeRoy and Evelyn (Robertson) Crandell, and a guiding light to his daughter, Catherine Calandra, and her husband, Nicholas, of Bristol. As a grandfather, Dan's heart knew no bounds, exuding pride and affection for his granddaughters, Evelyn and Nora.

Dan's love extended to his North Carolina family with his Aunt Anne Robertson and siblings Dr. Jason Crandell, Gordon (Debra) Crandell of Clemmons, NC, and Stephen (Marie) Crandell of Plymouth, England. He was a treasured uncle to Grace (Josh) Thompson, Nathan (Bethany) Crandell, Benjamin Crandell, Blaire Crandell and a doting great-uncle. He will be missed by many friends, colleagues and extended family.

Dan was a graduate of Hargrave Military Academy of Chatham, VA and Citadel Military College of Charleston, 72'. Dan was a highly dedicated Captain of the US Army serving during the Vietnam War Era.

Following his service, he received a Master of Divinity at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He additionally received a Master of Clinical Psychology from Godard College. He shared his expertise in Clemmons, NC, opening Clemmons Psychiatric Services with his brother Dr. Jason Crandell, the area's first Psychiatric Practice at that time.

Dan continued his career with private practice at Piedmont Psychiatric Associates, and Psimed PA in Clemmons, NC. Fulfilling his desire for a new endeavor, he later served for 25 years as a prison psychologist for the NC Department of Corrections, after which he returned to private practice at Clemmons Psychiatric Associates until he retired in 2020. His 38 years of dedication to his work had a profound effect on the many people he counseled and will always be remembered with respect and admiration. Following his retirement, he moved to Bristol RI from Winston Salem, NC to be closer to his daughter and her family.

Throughout his life he displayed acts of service to others, he was a 4th degree Knights of Columbus, participant in the Ardmore Association in Winston- Salem and for 30 years he served as Chaplain for the Fraternal Order of Police for Forsyth County, NC.

Dan was a man of many interests, but he was particularly passionate about his role as a historian within his family. He found joy in uncovering his family's past and took great pleasure in sharing these stories with the next generations, ensuring that the legacy of their lineage would be carried forward. An avid reader and golfer, Dan found solace and enjoyment in the simple pleasures of life. He was a faithful and loving father whose strong Catholic faith guided every aspect of his life. Every evening, he could be found with his rosary, offering prayers for family and friends. He was an active communicant of Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Bristol

With a soldier's bearing, counselor's heart, chaplain's kindness, historian's memory, Dan seemed to hold them all at once. Dan's passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him; he will continue to inspire and guide us.

As he would always say, "Now onward and upward!"

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held October 17, 10:00 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 141 State Street, Bristol. Military Honors will follow in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery At 2:00pm, 301 S County Trail, Exeter.

Calling hours respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers, please perform an act of kindness in Dan's memory.

Arrangements by the SANSONE FUNERAL HOME, Bristol.

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